A Daughter’s Gratitude: The Compassionate Care of Velita Hart

 

On September 16, Velita Hart was brought to the Community Memorial Hospital Emergency Department by EMS after suffering a fall that left her with a broken hip and wrist. For Velita and her family, this was the beginning of an experience they will never forget—one marked by compassion, dignity, and heartfelt care.

From the moment Velita arrived, she was surrounded by support. Emergency Department RNs Kalissa and Shirley, along with Dr. Sonny Gill, cared for her with warmth and kindness. Despite a room full of family and friends, the staff never asked anyone to leave. Dr. Gill patiently answered every question, while the nurses comforted Velita with gentle touches, warm blankets, and kind words.

Dr. Gill explained that Velita’s hip fracture would require surgery and walked her through the transfer options. Ultimately, Velita—already on hospice—chose to remain at CMH, close to her family and friends. Dr. Gill honored her decision with compassion, reassuring her that her wishes would be respected.

When Velita was admitted to the inpatient floor, the care continued in deeply personal ways. Shirley T., a longtime acquaintance of Velita’s through Sunrise Guest Home in Fredericksburg, promised her daughter Angela that Velita would never be left alone. Years earlier, Velita had sat with Shirley during her own mother’s final days; now Shirley was there to sit with Velita.

The next day, Angela was touched again by the extraordinary nursing staff. Though she couldn’t remember every name, she vividly recalled the kindness of CNAs and RNs who comforted her with hugs, shared stories about her mom, and treated her like family. Nurses Dar, Richard, and Shirley stood out especially, with Shirley even returning on her own time to check on Angela.

When the time came for Dr. Gill to pronounce Velita’s passing, his sincerity was deeply moving. The staff gave Angela time to gather family, and they allowed loved ones to remain with Velita until Iowa Donor Network arrived. Her nurse and aide prepared her for transport with dignity and respect, ensuring she was honored even in her final moments.

As a nurse herself for 25 years, Angela reflected on the experience with profound gratitude:

“My mom always taught me to be compassionate and love what you do—or don’t do it at all. To see that value carried out by those caring for her meant the world to me. Many of the women caring for my mom were individuals she had once trained or worked beside, bringing her life and career full circle.”

Angela will never forget the extraordinary care provided to her mother and her family at Community Memorial Hospital.

With heartfelt thanks, she shared:

“I may never be inside CMH again, but I will never forget the extraordinary care provided to my mom and me. ‘Thank you’ will never feel like enough.”